"Transformation Jutsu!"
As Naruto completed the hand signs, a puff of smoke arose.
When the smoke cleared, Natsuro saw "himself" standing opposite him. He took a closer look and nodded approvingly, saying, "Not bad, but there's still room for improvement in the details."
Naruto scratched his head and looked at his hands. It did feel easier this time—just as he had promised! Natsuro wouldn't lie to him!
Excited, Naruto began forming hand signs again, this time for...
"Clone Jutsu!"
However, this time Naruto's clone was a bit deformed. It was easy to distinguish the real Naruto from the clone.
But seeing his clone made Naruto's face light up with excitement. Although the clone was somewhat misshapen, he'd finally managed to produce one! It wasn't like before, when no matter how hard he tried, his clones would be lifeless gray blobs lying on the ground.
Now, with continued effort, he felt he was getting closer to mastering the technique!
Seeing this, Natsuro also nodded. He knew what Naruto's level had been before, and the progress was quite evident. As Naruto's physique improved in the future, he would return to help him further.
This would greatly benefit Naruto, and Natsuro could also quickly understand the Eight Trigrams Seal and the Four Symbols Seal—a perfect situation!
As for whether this would prevent Naruto from obtaining the Multi Shadow Clone Jutsu? That was impossible. After all, Naruto was practically the only one in the village who could use it. The Third Hokage would surely find an excuse to give it to him.
Moreover, this might even strengthen the bond between the Third Hokage and Naruto, so he wouldn't take the Third's place in teaching the Shadow Clone Jutsu. It would be inappropriate to teach it anyway unless they had a special relationship, like family or teacher-student. Otherwise, things could get out of hand.
"Natsuro!" At this moment, Naruto looked at him with a face on the verge of tears, his nose and eyes nearly streaming.
"I'm warning you, don't rush over here." Natsuro didn't want Naruto's snot and tears smeared on him.
"Okay, okay... Natsuro, let me treat you to Ichiraku Ramen!" Naruto, not knowing how to express his gratitude, thought for a moment and said, "Eat as much as you want; I'll pay!"
"Alright, you said it." Natsuro nodded, smiling. He had quite an appetite.
Then he looked at the excited Naruto and couldn't help but reach out to ruffle his spiky blond hair. "Keep it up. Try to surpass Sasuke."
"Yes! I'll work hard!" Naruto responded energetically.
"By the way, Naruto, don't tell anyone about this trick," Natsuro said.
"Mm-hmm, I know, Natsuro! If I told, everyone would come to you, and you'd be annoyed, haha." Naruto laughed, scratching his head.
As they left the building, Natsuro felt several gazes watching them and couldn't help but chuckle. The ANBU's gaze was fine; there was no malice toward him or Naruto.
But it was different with the Root division. He could clearly feel their unfriendly gaze, even wanting to observe inside Naruto's house. If he hadn't closed the curtains, they might have kept watching.
However, there was nothing he could do now, so he pretended not to notice and followed Naruto out.
...
That evening, after parting ways with Naruto, Natsuro returned home to find a table full of sumptuous food. He also noticed the somewhat forced smile on his mother's face.
"Little Natsuro, I won't say much, but please, please come back safely," Shinai said, smiling with tears in her eyes.
Although he had eaten some ramen, seeing his mother's expression made him silently nod. He quietly sat at the table and started eating.
Shinai watched him, her thoughts racing. When Natsuro told her he'd graduated, she was truly frightened. The news of her husband's death constantly replayed in her mind. She was terrified—terrified that she would receive the same news again. Natsuro was her last remaining anchor in this world...
But she also knew her son was destined for great things. He was a disciple of one of the Sannin and a grand-disciple of the Third Hokage. She couldn't hold him back because of her fears. So, she had to smile, no matter how scared she was...
Even if she was terrified, even if she was afraid, Shinai would never stop him. She would stay at home, quietly waiting for her son's safe return. She believed he would come back every time.
Because he was her pride and hope for the rest of her life!
The next day, Natsuro received a notice from the ANBU and headed to the Hokage's office.
"Natsuro, your team has been arranged," the Third Hokage said with a smile as Natsuro entered.
"Thank you, Grandpa Third," Natsuro said, his eyes lighting up as he noticed a mask and a sword on the table.
"Mm, I picked out this mask and weapon for you. Try them out," the Third Hokage said, noticing his interest as he stroked his beard.
"Alright." Natsuro picked up the mask and examined it closely. It had no special features, not even any color apart from white; wearing it made him look unidentifiable.
He attached the mask to his face, securing it with chakra. He had thought the mask would obstruct his vision, but with the chakra infusion, his sight was completely unobstructed. It seemed the mask was specially made.
Next, he examined the sword. Unlike a traditional katana, this blade had no curve, but its sharp gleam indicated it was incredibly sharp. He stroked the blade, feeling a bit of joy.
"Do you like it?" the Third Hokage asked with a pleased smile. He had personally selected this for him; regular ANBU members couldn't obtain such a weapon, usually only receiving standard-issue gear.
"I like it. Thank you, Grandpa Third." Natsuro sheathed the sword and strapped it to his back.
"Good," the Third Hokage said, even more pleased. After a moment of thought, he asked, "Have you decided on a codename? It's usually an animal, but you can choose something else if you'd like."
"Let's go with Ink'," Natsuro said casually. At the end of the day the name didn't really matter to him.
"Alright." The Third Hokage nodded and then knocked on his desk. A moment later, a figure pushed open the office door and entered.
"Tenzo, this is your new team member, Ink," the Third Hokage said. "Ink, this is your new captain, Tenzo."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," Tenzo and Natsuro replied simultaneously.
They exchanged glances.
Seeing him, Tenzo felt a bit apprehensive. This looked like a child! Was he supposed to babysit?
His team's efficiency was decent, and now they were assigning him a child? Was this a clan member coming to gain experience? To be honest, Tenzo wasn't thrilled.
If something happened to a clan's young master in his team, it would be disastrous!
But he couldn't disobey the Hokage's orders. He would have to take extra care of this one, perhaps letting him stay out of harm's way if necessary.
Tenzo was deep in thought, not too impressed with Natsuro at first glance.
Meanwhile, Natsuro was also pondering. The name "Tenzo" sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it. Still, since he remembered it, the person likely survived into later years, suggesting decent strength. He should be a competent captain.
Join the patreon and get 48 chapters in advance